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Get your free copy12 March 2014, 17:06 PM
- An increase in the number of independent retailers in the UK is down to a growing consumer desire for locally-produced food, according to Simply Business
The insurance broker carried out a survey of 40,000 independent businesses and found that the independent food sector has seen a growth of 27 per cent year-on-year, perhaps as a backlash to out of town supermarkets.
From 2012 to 2013, independent supermarkets saw a growth of 65 per cent, general food stores 32 per cent, bakeries 31 per cent, fishmongers 28 per cent, delicatessen 25 per cent, greengrocers 24 per cent, wine merchants 10 per cent and butchers 9 per cent.
The news follows research that the number of empty shops was at its lowest for three years in December 2013.
Jason Stockwood, CEO of Simply Business said, “The surge in independent food merchants exemplifies the nimble nature of small businesses as their success is often determined by smartly tapping into growing trends at the right time.
“We hope these independent food and drink stores will profit from consumers turning their backs on established supermarket chains in favour of their local providers who breath new life into community high streets. Independent businesses are vital to the ongoing growth of the UK economy and our findings reinforce this.”
